Philo Vance, accompanied by his prize-losing Scottish terrier, investigates the locked-room murder of a prominent and much-hated collector whose broken Chinese vase provides an important clue.
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Short filmTranscript
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00:01:47 [Dogs barking]
00:01:50 The finest show we have ever held with nearly twice as many dogs benched as last year.
00:01:54 Refreshments are being served at the marquee at the west end of the grounds.
00:01:58 Refunds ready in ring number two.
00:02:00 Next event number 729.
00:02:03 Collies bred by exhibitors.
00:02:05 Have your dogs ready.
00:02:06 Quiet please during the judging.
00:02:08 Attention please.
00:02:10 Judging in ring one.
00:02:12 Event number 728.
00:02:13 Scottish Terriers American Bred Dogs.
00:02:16 Great Danes in ring number two.
00:02:18 Great Scots in ring number one.
00:02:21 This is number 292.
00:02:22 Captain McTavish.
00:02:24 Shown by the owner, the well known fancier Mr. Kyle Ovalts.
00:02:27 Whose kennel comprises some of the finest campaigners in America.
00:02:31 [Dogs barking]
00:02:34 That's fine.
00:02:35 Smile please.
00:02:37 Up to your right.
00:02:39 That's great.
00:02:41 Sorry boys, but these are not trophies.
00:02:43 [Laughter]
00:02:45 Hold it right there.
00:02:47 Thank you.
00:02:48 Thank you so much.
00:02:49 Can we go now?
00:02:50 I can stand one dog, but this peddler is getting on my nerves.
00:02:53 Don't be impatient darling.
00:02:55 We have plenty of time for dinner.
00:02:57 [Dogs barking]
00:03:14 How many dogs are in the whole of the gun?
00:03:15 Two and a half.
00:03:16 So.
00:03:18 Event number 728.
00:03:20 The Blue Ribbon won by Gillespie of Heatherstone.
00:03:23 Gun Dee Deviler is runner up.
00:03:25 And Midlothian gentleman receives the special.
00:03:28 Better luck next time Mr. Vance.
00:03:31 Don't be down hearted Captain.
00:03:33 You're still champion with me.
00:03:35 Maybe we'll have better luck in Italy huh?
00:03:37 Best of luck Vance.
00:03:38 I was hoping to have the pleasure of feeding you tomorrow.
00:03:40 Oh thank you very much Mr. Cole.
00:03:41 Perhaps you'll get a step of competition from Sir Thomas McDonald.
00:03:44 Perhaps.
00:03:47 I want to borrow Mr. Morn for a second.
00:03:49 But Miss May.
00:03:50 You know Mr. Hart you don't want to end with your boy's dog.
00:03:52 Come in and protect him if you like.
00:03:54 [Dogs barking]
00:04:01 Best of luck Sir Thomas.
00:04:03 I wouldn't take off another whisk.
00:04:05 I think you're right Sandy.
00:04:07 Get ready.
00:04:08 Hold it.
00:04:09 There you are Gilly old laddy.
00:04:11 Hello Hilda.
00:04:12 Hello Tom.
00:04:13 Well what's the idea?
00:04:14 Why don't we do a little private judging?
00:04:15 I don't imagine your uncle would particularly approve of it.
00:04:17 I'm sure he wouldn't.
00:04:19 Hold him a minute Sandy.
00:04:20 Let's take a good look at him.
00:04:21 All right.
00:04:22 Come on Tom.
00:04:23 I'll see.
00:04:24 Wipe your tail.
00:04:25 [Dogs barking]
00:04:32 Well?
00:04:33 What do you think?
00:04:34 I think it's a pretty close thing.
00:04:36 I'm not worried.
00:04:37 Eh Sandy?
00:04:38 I think you're very safe still.
00:04:40 Here we are sir.
00:04:42 What the devil do you think you're doing Hilda?
00:04:44 What?
00:04:45 How do you do?
00:04:46 How do you do sir?
00:04:47 I just wanted to prove that you're going to lose money to Tom when these two get into the ring tomorrow.
00:04:49 And have you proved it to your satisfaction?
00:04:51 So much so that I want you to loan me a thousand dollars to place on Gilly.
00:04:54 Hilda.
00:04:55 That cheek for you wants to bet against me with a thousand dollars of my own money.
00:04:58 I wasn't asking you for your money.
00:05:00 I merely want you to loan me some of mine.
00:05:03 As long as I control the purse strings you're not going to do any betting against me.
00:05:06 You'll be grateful that I've saved a few thousand of your fortune someday.
00:05:10 But don't raise your hopes too high Hilda.
00:05:12 Bring that dog out here.
00:05:14 I shouldn't let him worry you my dear.
00:05:19 You know how I hate him Tom.
00:05:21 The things he's done to me.
00:05:23 I just, I just...
00:05:24 Dog.
00:05:25 Now let's see.
00:05:29 Where did I put that?
00:05:30 Ah.
00:05:31 Here it is.
00:05:33 Unsolved murders.
00:05:35 Ha, you know.
00:05:36 I almost forgot it.
00:05:38 I wouldn't have been able to sleep a wink tonight.
00:05:40 Wondering who murdered who and why.
00:05:42 How any intelligent man can read that dribble is beyond me Brisbane.
00:05:45 What time does that Chicago train go?
00:05:47 Five o'clock.
00:05:48 Well it's four fifteen.
00:05:50 Oh you've got plenty of time.
00:05:51 Yes I know but I want to get out of here before Archie gets home.
00:05:54 Good afternoon sir.
00:05:56 Afternoon.
00:05:57 Is my brother home?
00:05:59 Yes sir he's upstairs.
00:06:00 Tell him I want to see him.
00:06:01 Yes sir.
00:06:04 Your taxi's waiting sir.
00:06:05 Alright there's the bag.
00:06:07 Did you get those reservations?
00:06:09 Yes sir.
00:06:10 And Mr. Archie told me to tell you he wants to see you sir.
00:06:13 Oh he did eh?
00:06:14 You tell him I don't want to see him.
00:06:17 Tell him I said so.
00:06:18 In those words sir.
00:06:19 Exactly.
00:06:20 Unless you can think of something stronger.
00:06:22 Yes sir.
00:06:23 Of course.
00:06:26 Of course it's none of my business Brisbane.
00:06:29 But I wouldn't talk that way in front of Gamble.
00:06:31 I don't trust him.
00:06:33 I just couldn't resist it.
00:06:35 I'd like to see the look on Archer's face when he tells him.
00:06:38 I wouldn't.
00:06:39 How the deuce can you stand it here?
00:06:41 Why there wouldn't be enough money in the world to compensate me for being Archer Coe's secretary.
00:06:46 He's not as bad as all that.
00:06:47 Hey you better be getting along.
00:06:49 There's such a thing as carrying loyalty too far.
00:06:50 Don't forget I overheard a few of his choice remarks to you.
00:06:53 When you dared suggest that you were in love with Hilda and wanted to marry her.
00:06:57 I'm afraid you're taking Archer a little too seriously old man.
00:07:02 You deliver my message?
00:07:04 I thought it best to wait till you would take me away sir.
00:07:08 Do you mind dropping me off?
00:07:10 I have an engagement with Hilda for dinner.
00:07:11 Come ahead.
00:07:12 Come ahead.
00:07:13 All aboard.
00:07:17 Albany, Brisbane,
00:07:19 Canberra,
00:07:20 Bridgeport,
00:07:21 New London,
00:07:23 New Haven,
00:07:24 West Village,
00:07:26 Providence,
00:07:28 Boston,
00:07:30 New York,
00:07:31 Here is Sir Thomas Macdonald New.
00:07:40 What's the matter Fanny?
00:07:45 Something terrible has happened sir.
00:07:46 Gillies gone.
00:07:47 What?
00:07:48 And I cannot find him.
00:07:49 They've taken him off the bench sir.
00:07:50 Well he couldn't have got loose.
00:07:52 He didn't break that lock himself either.
00:07:59 I haven't been away from that dog for 10 minutes all day sir.
00:08:02 I just went into the restaurant to get a wee sandwich and when I come back he was gone.
00:08:06 Sir Thomas.
00:08:08 Yes.
00:08:09 I think we found him sir.
00:08:10 Where?
00:08:11 Out in the alley sir.
00:08:13 This way sir.
00:08:20 Gillies.
00:08:26 It's them.
00:08:29 Oh.
00:08:30 I'll kill the man who did this.
00:08:34 Listen Tom you mustn't do anything until you're sure of clean.
00:08:42 I've got my own ideas.
00:08:44 Oh I know Uncle Archer is mean and cruel but I can't believe he'd do a thing like this.
00:08:49 [phone ringing]
00:08:58 Hello.
00:08:59 I'm sorry but Mr. Archer Coe isn't here.
00:09:03 Your dog did?
00:09:06 I'm terribly sorry.
00:09:08 I'll try to locate him at once.
00:09:17 [phone ringing]
00:09:20 [scream]
00:09:21 Go away from me you.
00:09:23 [phone ringing]
00:09:26 Get out of here.
00:09:27 Get out.
00:09:29 [phone ringing]
00:09:30 I suspected it when I saw you together this afternoon.
00:09:32 You're nothing but a two-timing...
00:09:33 Get out of my apartment.
00:09:34 [dog barking]
00:09:37 Get out.
00:09:39 From now on it is your apartment.
00:09:40 All yours.
00:09:41 [phone ringing]
00:09:42 I'm getting out for good.
00:09:43 [dog barking]
00:09:46 [dog barking]
00:09:49 Ah Mr. Coe.
00:09:55 My dear friend.
00:09:57 Yes I see you are.
00:09:58 Pardon me.
00:10:00 Yes.
00:10:01 Oh I am how do you say it?
00:10:02 Panto Allegri.
00:10:03 I came to see you.
00:10:05 I received a cable from Milan authorizing me to complete the deal for your Chinese collection.
00:10:09 And confirming the price of $117,000.
00:10:13 Which means decorations and all that sort of thing from a very grateful government I suppose.
00:10:17 Oh, a mentor.
00:10:18 But it's no good now of course.
00:10:19 I've changed my mind.
00:10:20 But you have promised me you can't go back on your word.
00:10:22 What would I tell my people?
00:10:23 What would I say?
00:10:24 It's a pity you didn't think of this before.
00:10:26 You might have been a little more discreet eh Grassi?
00:10:28 But you have signed a contract with me.
00:10:29 Too bad for you.
00:10:30 It's still at my home.
00:10:31 In my safe.
00:10:32 But you will most certainly destroy it.
00:10:34 Tonight.
00:10:36 I'll tell you what I'll do.
00:10:37 I'll give you Miss Dellafield.
00:10:39 For nothing.
00:10:41 I'll tell you what I'll do.
00:10:43 [door opens]
00:10:45 [rain]
00:10:46 [footsteps]
00:11:14 Hey, Leanne.
00:11:16 Out of the gate eh?
00:11:17 I was led to believe that a cook's place was in the kitchen.
00:11:19 The next time I saw...
00:11:20 I have been expecting my dismissal Mr. Cole.
00:11:22 We have served our purpose.
00:11:24 These priceless treasures and I.
00:11:26 I overheard Mr. Reed saying you were preparing to sell this whole collection.
00:11:30 You've been listening at the keyhole have you?
00:11:32 You cannot sell them Mr. Cole.
00:11:34 Do you think I would have dishonored my ancestors?
00:11:36 Perchard my soul?
00:11:37 Cheated my own countrymen to acquire these for you?
00:11:40 Had I not believed that you would reverence them as I do?
00:11:43 That's the worst of your race.
00:11:44 A pack of mawkish sentimentalists about your ancestors.
00:11:47 I don't need you tonight.
00:11:48 Go on, get out.
00:11:49 I would suggest you consider most carefully before you sell.
00:12:00 [bell tolling]
00:12:28 [door slams]
00:12:29 [knocking]
00:12:45 [knocking]
00:12:51 Mr. Cole.
00:12:53 [knocking]
00:12:57 Mr. Cole.
00:12:58 [knocking]
00:13:02 Breakfast Mr. Cole.
00:13:05 Breakfast.
00:13:07 Mr. Reed.
00:13:22 Mr. Reed.
00:13:23 Mr. Reed.
00:13:25 What is it Hamill?
00:13:26 Mr. Cole, Mr. Archer Cole has killed himself.
00:13:29 Killed himself?
00:13:30 When, how?
00:13:31 He's sitting in there like, and the door's bolted.
00:13:34 You're positive?
00:13:35 Yes sir, in his bedroom.
00:13:37 Phone the police.
00:13:38 Yes sir.
00:13:39 Hello?
00:13:49 Get me police headquarters quick.
00:13:51 [phone ringing]
00:13:54 Homicide, Sergeant Miller speaking.
00:13:56 Now wait a minute, wait a minute, I don't get you.
00:14:00 Take it easy.
00:14:01 Alright, let me get him.
00:14:02 Suicide.
00:14:04 Suicide?
00:14:05 Wait a minute, you're not gonna run out on this hand.
00:14:08 Yep.
00:14:10 Who?
00:14:11 Archer Cole, 9080 71st Street.
00:14:15 Okay, I got you.
00:14:16 Is that it Sergeant?
00:14:17 Yeah.
00:14:19 Well, goodbye Ernest.
00:14:21 Sergeant, he's to you, cop.
00:14:22 Kick him in that six-bit.
00:14:24 Oh, relax will ya?
00:14:25 Oh, yes sir.
00:14:26 This is your case Sergeant.
00:14:28 You better get the boys out.
00:14:29 9871st Street?
00:14:31 That's right.
00:14:32 Alright, come on.
00:14:33 No, Dr. Ray, Mr. Hurry, right out to 98 East 71st Street.
00:14:37 Did you say East, Sergeant?
00:14:39 East, yes.
00:14:40 I got it.
00:14:41 Billy Mayall, give me city desk.
00:14:43 Calling car 18, car 18.
00:14:45 Times, Charlie Adler.
00:14:46 98 East 71st Street.
00:14:48 Last night Archer Cole committed suicide.
00:14:50 Proceed immediately and call your station for instruction.
00:14:53 Fire and warmer with light-sum outed winds from the north and the tennessee today and tomorrow.
00:15:03 And now for the latest news flash.
00:15:05 Archer Cole, the well-known sportsman and collector committed suicide last night at his home, 98 East 71st Street.
00:15:12 His body was discovered by the butler at 8 this morning when he took up a breakfast tray.
00:15:17 No reason has been advanced for this action as Mr. Cole was in excellent health and had no financial trouble.
00:15:22 No news has been received from the crews of the...
00:15:25 Is the land hold still connected?
00:15:30 Yes, sir.
00:15:31 But it will be disconnected in about two minutes, sir.
00:15:33 I see.
00:15:34 Hello?
00:15:41 Hello, Markham.
00:15:42 Hello, Vince.
00:15:44 I thought you were on your way to Italy.
00:15:46 I am.
00:15:47 I say, Markham, I just heard about Archer Cole.
00:15:51 Yes, too bad he had to bump himself off like that.
00:15:54 That's why I called you.
00:15:55 Are you sure that he did bump himself off?
00:15:57 Well, as Butler tells us, he's sitting in a locked room with a revolver in his hand and a bullet in his head.
00:16:02 I don't know what else you'd call him.
00:16:04 I don't want to butt into your affairs, but aren't you a bit hasty in jumping to that conclusion?
00:16:09 Hasty? Why?
00:16:11 Well, if you knew Archer Cole, you would know that suicide is almost a psychological impossibility for him.
00:16:16 Psychological bosh.
00:16:18 A two and two make four, don't they?
00:16:20 How do you know you have two and two?
00:16:22 Just let me point out to you.
00:16:23 Oh, point out the Statue of Liberty.
00:16:25 Say, Vince.
00:16:26 Hello?
00:16:27 Hello?
00:16:28 The land phone has been disconnected, sir.
00:16:30 Oh.
00:16:32 Uh, will you have my luggage brought up?
00:16:38 Yes, sir.
00:16:39 Stewart, just have them send it ashore. I've decided not to sail.
00:16:43 Sir?
00:16:44 Vince, you've been right about a lot of cases in the past, but I can't help smiling at you getting off that boat and giving up a swell trip all because of a hunch.
00:16:53 As a matter of fact, Mark, it was more than a hunch.
00:16:56 Huh?
00:16:57 It just so happened that I talked with Archer Cole only yesterday.
00:17:01 What? Where?
00:17:02 The Long Island Kennel Club.
00:17:05 You know, I can't conceive of a man on the verge of suicide being very deeply concerned over winning a championship at a dog show, can you?
00:17:13 No. What do you mean?
00:17:14 Simply this.
00:17:15 As late as yesterday afternoon, Archer Cole was looking forward with the keenest anticipation to winning a blue ribbon from Sir Thomas McDonald today.
00:17:23 Sir Thomas McDonald?
00:17:25 Say, wasn't it his dog that was found dead last night?
00:17:27 Right.
00:17:28 And Archer Cole found dead this morning.
00:17:30 You suppose there might be some connection there?
00:17:33 I don't know.
00:17:35 But if someone were to try to kill Captain McTavish, I'd probably turn murderer to myself with my gun.
00:17:39 Hello, Mr. Margo.
00:17:45 I got your message to hold everything up. What's the idea?
00:17:48 Hello, Mr. Vann.
00:17:51 Good morning, Sergeant.
00:17:52 Well, it's been a long time.
00:17:54 Several years.
00:17:55 I might have known it would be you, the world champion troubleshooter.
00:17:58 Now, come on, boys. Come inside.
00:18:00 Well, Chief, this is another miscogin shot case.
00:18:04 Mr. Reed, the secretary.
00:18:06 This is Gamble, the butler.
00:18:08 Yes, sir.
00:18:09 Mr. Markham, the district attorney.
00:18:11 How do you do, sir?
00:18:12 And, uh, Mr. Vance.
00:18:14 How do you do?
00:18:15 Everything just as it was?
00:18:16 Well, they said they haven't touched anything.
00:18:18 We thought it best to leave everything intact, sir.
00:18:20 Good.
00:18:21 Where's the room?
00:18:22 Upstairs.
00:18:23 This way, please.
00:18:24 You, uh, been in Mr. Cole's service long?
00:18:31 About a month.
00:18:32 About three months, sir.
00:18:33 And before that?
00:18:34 Well, uh, unfortunately, I was unemployed, sir.
00:18:37 This is it, sir.
00:18:39 Yep, he's there, all right.
00:18:45 Just like I told the police on the phone.
00:18:47 I tried the door, found it locked, looked through the keyhole, and there he was, dead.
00:18:50 I think this is a job for you, Sergeant.
00:18:55 Certainly, Mr. Vance.
00:18:56 Thanks for that.
00:18:57 Well, Hennessey, what are you standing there for, your health?
00:19:06 This takes beef.
00:19:07 All right.
00:19:08 Congratulations, Sergeant.
00:19:17 What is this, a bedroom or a museum?
00:19:21 More junk here than in a Chinese judge house.
00:19:24 I trust I did the right thing, sir, by not breaking down the door.
00:19:38 I realized I could be of no help to him.
00:19:40 Oh, he's been quite dead for hours.
00:19:42 Won't leave his health, I hope that's plain enough.
00:19:45 Certainly looks that way, Vance.
00:19:47 I'm afraid your trip was spoiled for nothing.
00:19:49 I think not, Markham.
00:19:50 This may prove far more interesting than a trip to Europe.
00:19:53 You carry a gun?
00:20:02 No, sir.
00:20:03 You?
00:20:04 Yes, sir, but only at night for the protection of the household.
00:20:08 Is that it?
00:20:09 Why, I...
00:20:10 Come on.
00:20:11 No, that was Mr. Archer's.
00:20:14 But he always kept it in the desk drawer downstairs.
00:20:17 I saw it yesterday morning as I was putting away some papers.
00:20:20 Oh, you did, eh?
00:20:21 Did Mr. Coe generally keep his windows locked?
00:20:24 Why, no, sir.
00:20:26 As a matter of fact, he was a great believer in fresh air.
00:20:28 Oh, indeed.
00:20:30 I wonder if these gentlemen would mind waiting downstairs.
00:20:33 Certainly not.
00:20:34 I'm sorry we had to damage your door.
00:20:36 That's quite all right.
00:20:37 It's evenly repaired.
00:20:38 I'll have it attended to at once, sir.
00:20:40 Hennessey, see that no one leaves the house without my permission.
00:20:42 Right.
00:20:43 It's as plain as a nose on your face.
00:20:47 This guy locked himself in here and blew out his brains.
00:20:50 I wish I could agree with you, Sergeant.
00:20:52 How the devil could it be anything but suicide?
00:20:56 It was all very well for you to theorize before we got here, Vance.
00:21:00 But now that you've seen this and there are no signs of a struggle...
00:21:03 And the door bolted on the inside and no means of entrance to the room.
00:21:07 Ah, no other means of entrance.
00:21:09 All right, you are, Sergeant.
00:21:11 But we can hardly call a second story window a means of entrance.
00:21:18 And nothing here that even a human fly could crawl up.
00:21:22 So why should Archer Cole lock his windows?
00:21:24 Particularly if he was a fresh air enthusiast.
00:21:26 I'm afraid your reasoning is not altogether convincing.
00:21:29 Well, perhaps so, but doesn't it strike you as rather odd...
00:21:33 that a man should suddenly decide to commit suicide...
00:21:35 while changing from his street clothes to pajamas?
00:21:37 Well, why not?
00:21:38 A man debating suicide might get partially undressed...
00:21:41 and walk up and down for hours trying to make up his mind.
00:21:43 Yes, he might walk up and down for hours...
00:21:45 but not with one shoe half off.
00:21:48 No, Markham, something stopped him as he was removing that shoe.
00:21:52 This was supposed to suggest suicide, but someone miscalculated.
00:21:57 But you can't get away from that bolted door.
00:22:00 I wish I could.
00:22:02 The way you figured it out, the man was murdered.
00:22:05 As soon as the killer is gone, he gets up, goes and bolts the door...
00:22:08 plants himself in a comfortable chair with a loaded gun in his hand...
00:22:11 to suggest suicide.
00:22:14 That's a swell theory.
00:22:17 Hello, Gamble.
00:22:23 What is this? What's happened?
00:22:25 Something terrible has happened, Miss Lake.
00:22:27 - Hilda. - Look.
00:22:28 What is it, Raymond? What is it?
00:22:30 It's your Uncle Archie, Hilda.
00:22:32 He killed himself last night.
00:22:35 - Where? - They're upstairs.
00:22:39 [footsteps]
00:22:42 Hey, don't touch that body, Miss.
00:22:53 Oh, Mr. Byrne.
00:22:55 How do you do, Miss Lake?
00:22:57 This is Mr. Markham, the district attorney.
00:22:59 How do you do?
00:23:00 Miss Lake, he's Coe's niece.
00:23:02 I'm sorry, Miss Lake, but you mustn't touch anything...
00:23:04 until the medical examiner arrives.
00:23:06 It's against regulation.
00:23:07 Is it also against regulation to tell me what's happened?
00:23:10 We arrived only a few moments ago.
00:23:12 We found your uncle as you see him.
00:23:14 It has every appearance of suicide.
00:23:17 I doubt it.
00:23:20 Do you know of anyone who would have reason to kill your uncle?
00:23:24 Yes. I had, for one.
00:23:27 Why, Miss Lake?
00:23:29 Because he stood in the way of everything I wanted.
00:23:31 He made my life miserable because he held the purse strings.
00:23:34 And because... because he was jealous of every man who came near me.
00:23:39 I was afraid of him.
00:23:42 Oh, the horrible nights I've spent in this house.
00:23:45 Are we to accept your comments as a confession of murder, Miss Lake?
00:23:52 Look here, Markham, that's ridiculous.
00:23:53 Please, Raymond.
00:23:55 I think I can handle this situation myself.
00:23:57 When we found your uncle, Miss Lake...
00:23:59 the door was bolted from the inside.
00:24:03 Bolted inside.
00:24:06 Oh.
00:24:09 Maybe he did shoot himself.
00:24:11 Can't you make up your mind?
00:24:12 Do you know of anyone else who felt as you do about your uncle?
00:24:15 Practically everyone he came in contact with.
00:24:17 He was ruthless.
00:24:18 He wanted his own way in everything.
00:24:20 I imagine there are plenty of Chinese who will be glad to know that his collecting days are over.
00:24:25 Oscar Cook.
00:24:27 I shall.
00:24:28 Can you think of anyone else?
00:24:30 Well, Uncle Brisbane shared my feelings toward him, I'm sure.
00:24:32 Where is this Brisbane guy?
00:24:34 Maybe he decided to do something about it.
00:24:36 That's impossible.
00:24:38 He's on his way to Chicago.
00:24:39 He left on the 5 o'clock train yesterday afternoon.
00:24:41 He'll be just about getting there by now.
00:24:44 Well, you'd probably like to wire him, wouldn't you?
00:24:47 Why, yes, of course.
00:24:49 Is that all?
00:24:50 Before the present, yes.
00:24:52 Suppose we check up on Uncle Brisbane on that Chicago train.
00:25:00 Won't take me but a minute.
00:25:02 Hello?
00:25:09 Come on, Sinclair.
00:25:10 Get your feet off the boss's desk and jump down to Grand Central.
00:25:13 All right, I get you.
00:25:20 [Train whistle]
00:25:31 Yes, Mr. Heath.
00:25:32 Langham Hotel, Chicago?
00:25:34 Yes, sir, I'll brush the call.
00:25:36 Hold the line, please.
00:25:38 Oh, yes, Mr. Heath.
00:25:40 We're expecting Mr. Brisbane Coe this morning.
00:25:42 Oh, yes, he... he wired for a reservation last night.
00:25:45 Thank you.
00:25:46 Goodbye.
00:25:47 Goodbye.
00:25:48 Yeah.
00:25:49 He took the 5 o'clock train, all right.
00:25:51 Good.
00:25:52 You know, there's a few things I'd like to find out about this girl, Hilda Lake.
00:25:57 Why are you always trying to check up on me?
00:25:59 I'm not trying to check up on you, Hilda.
00:26:01 I want to help you.
00:26:03 Well, you know how I feel about you.
00:26:05 You know that I love you.
00:26:07 But lately you seem to have changed.
00:26:08 Every time I want to speak to you about marriage, you evade me.
00:26:12 What's on your mind?
00:26:13 Oh, nothing, nothing.
00:26:16 Raymond, I never said I'd marry you.
00:26:18 But I thought that now we...
00:26:20 Well, that... that I could take you away from here.
00:26:23 You might as well know now as later.
00:26:25 When all this is cleared up, I'm going to marry Tom McDonald.
00:26:29 Oh.
00:26:30 Oh, try to understand, Raymond.
00:26:32 I'm sorry.
00:26:35 Oh, don't tell me.
00:26:36 Come on, don't try to...
00:26:37 Quiet.
00:26:38 Oh, suicide, my eye.
00:26:39 Was the DA himself in Vance on the job?
00:26:40 It's suicide and that's that.
00:26:42 Oh, come on, have a cigar.
00:26:43 It's still suicide.
00:26:47 Hey, wait a minute.
00:26:49 Are you a reporter?
00:26:51 No, I'm Sir Thompson Gunnell.
00:26:53 I'd like to talk to the officer in charge here.
00:26:55 Oh, come on inside.
00:27:01 Tom!
00:27:05 Why didn't you stay away from here?
00:27:06 And leave you to face this thing alone?
00:27:08 But you promised me last night you wouldn't come here.
00:27:09 Won't you go, please?
00:27:10 I can bluff it through.
00:27:12 I don't want the police asking you questions.
00:27:13 I know all the answers.
00:27:14 Oh, but please go for my sake.
00:27:16 Let's forget about it, shall we?
00:27:17 It's too late now.
00:27:18 In any case, the police are guarding every entrance.
00:27:20 Wait a moment.
00:27:21 You can cross through that yard and get to your apartment.
00:27:23 No one will see you.
00:27:24 Take the first boat to England and I'll join you as soon as I can.
00:27:27 Watch out for those newspaper vans, Sir Thomas.
00:27:30 They're even deadlier than the police.
00:27:32 I had no intention of leaving.
00:27:33 Ah, good.
00:27:34 Oh, by the way, I was sorry to hear about the death of your dog last night.
00:27:38 Oh, thanks.
00:27:39 You didn't by any chance discuss it with Archer Cole, did you?
00:27:42 No.
00:27:43 If I had, I might have killed him.
00:27:46 Well, did you?
00:27:47 That's your problem.
00:27:49 [indistinct chatter]
00:27:53 Any news, Doctor?
00:27:54 How about a statement now?
00:27:55 Give me a chance.
00:27:56 Oh, wait a minute.
00:27:57 I'm a doctor, not a magician.
00:27:58 [laughs]
00:27:59 Oh, what a funny guy.
00:28:00 Go on, now.
00:28:01 [indistinct chatter]
00:28:03 Hello, Doc.
00:28:04 Hello, Kelsey.
00:28:05 Where have you been?
00:28:06 Haven't seen you for a long time.
00:28:07 Working hard.
00:28:08 I've kept you so long.
00:28:09 Did you walk all the way?
00:28:10 You always pick on me at mealtime.
00:28:12 I was in the middle of cakes and sausage.
00:28:15 What have you got?
00:28:16 Just plain suicide.
00:28:17 This guy locked himself in a room, bumped himself off.
00:28:20 Suicide?
00:28:21 Then why didn't you let me finish my breakfast?
00:28:22 Hello, Doc.
00:28:23 Hello, Markham.
00:28:24 All you need is an order to remove the body.
00:28:26 If you'd told me that over the phone, I would have sent my assistant.
00:28:29 Mr. Markham told me to phone you personally.
00:28:31 Don't crab at me about it.
00:28:32 I'll give you the approximate hour of the death, if you want it.
00:28:35 That's been hired of you, Doc.
00:28:37 And the routine autopsy, we can do tomorrow.
00:28:40 It's just a case of suicide.
00:28:42 Why do you jump to that conclusion, Doctor?
00:28:45 I know a dead man when I see one.
00:28:47 Besides, the door was bolted.
00:28:49 I know.
00:28:50 The door was bolted on the inside.
00:28:51 But what about the body?
00:28:52 Hadn't you better have a look at it?
00:28:54 I was going to.
00:28:56 I'm a doctor, not a detective.
00:28:58 This man is dead with a bullet hole in his right temple.
00:29:01 He's holding a gun in his right hand.
00:29:03 Just the kind of wound that might have been self-inflected.
00:29:06 The position is natural, and the door was locked on the inside.
00:29:11 Well, let me see.
00:29:14 That's strange.
00:29:16 Did you find something to disturb you, Doctor?
00:29:18 Plenty.
00:29:19 There's blood in his mouth.
00:29:21 And he's got a skull fracture from some club-like instrument.
00:29:25 But what about the bullet wound in his temple?
00:29:26 There's no blood there.
00:29:29 That's so.
00:29:33 Gentlemen.
00:29:35 When that bullet entered this man's head, he had been dead for hours.
00:29:42 Can you place the time of his death?
00:29:44 I'd say from 8 to 12 hours ago.
00:29:47 Would you say that the revolver was placed in his hand before Rigomortus set in?
00:29:50 Yes.
00:29:51 Did he die from the effects of the blow on the head?
00:29:54 No.
00:29:55 Probably rendering him unconscious for a while.
00:29:56 But that wouldn't have killed him.
00:29:58 Not powerful enough.
00:29:59 The blow didn't kill him, the bullet didn't kill him, and yet he's dead.
00:30:02 Suppose we try to find out just what did kill him.
00:30:05 Glad you follow that, Mr. Vance.
00:30:07 It's not a bad idea.
00:30:10 Perhaps I'd better take another look.
00:30:16 All right, boys.
00:30:17 Let's pick up these clues before they get messed up here.
00:30:20 Hey, just a minute, Doc.
00:30:22 Please.
00:30:25 Ready?
00:30:27 Give me a hand, Sergeant.
00:30:28 Help me lift the body off the table.
00:30:30 All right, boys.
00:30:32 Lift the body over on the table.
00:30:33 We have to get the body around the handles, around the body.
00:30:36 Get that feet in line.
00:30:38 All right, now.
00:30:39 Get a little black powder.
00:30:40 Hey, here we go.
00:30:41 Let's get it on.
00:30:42 Get it on.
00:30:43 All right.
00:30:44 Yeah, lift him easy.
00:30:45 Easy.
00:30:46 There he is.
00:30:47 Now we're--
00:30:48 All right, boys.
00:30:49 --all that way.
00:30:50 All right, there, boy.
00:30:51 That's it.
00:30:52 There couldn't have been much of a struggle.
00:30:53 His hair isn't even messed.
00:30:55 Maybe somebody slugged him and then combed his hair.
00:30:57 By George.
00:30:59 Now I've got it.
00:31:01 Stabbed below the left shoulder blade, near the spine.
00:31:06 There's no external bleeding.
00:31:08 Internal hemorrhage, huh?
00:31:10 That's it.
00:31:12 What do you think of the suicide theory now, Sergeant?
00:31:14 Well, it's slightly complicated for him to shot, slug, and stab himself,
00:31:18 particularly in the back.
00:31:20 Yeah, it's very complicated.
00:31:22 Oh, mock him.
00:31:23 Yes.
00:31:24 You see, there's no hole in the back of his pajama jacket.
00:31:27 So he couldn't have been wearing that when he was stabbed, but get this.
00:31:32 There's a hole in the back of his coat and another in his waistcoat, bloodstained.
00:31:37 He must have been fully dressed when he was attacked.
00:31:39 That lets me out.
00:31:40 I finished.
00:31:41 I suppose you'll want a quick autopsy.
00:31:42 Yes.
00:31:43 Get that body down to the morgue as soon as possible.
00:31:45 Good day, gentlemen.
00:31:46 Good day.
00:31:47 Now.
00:31:48 Yes?
00:31:49 Do you think there's any possible chance of that being suicide?
00:31:52 What?
00:31:53 All right, all right.
00:31:54 Just a fair question, big boy.
00:31:55 Go on home and get your hot cakes and sausage.
00:31:57 You need the strength.
00:31:58 [INAUDIBLE]
00:31:59 Yeah.
00:32:00 [INAUDIBLE]
00:32:01 Right.
00:32:02 Any report on that wire?
00:32:03 Not yet, Sarge.
00:32:04 Send a wire to this guy, Markham, 98 East 71st Street, New York City,
00:32:13 and tell him, um, there's a bankroll not aboard this train.
00:32:18 Wireless conductor, train number seven.
00:32:21 Sit down.
00:32:23 What time did Brisbane Cole leave for Chicago?
00:32:27 In time to catch the 5 o'clock train, sir.
00:32:29 How do you know he caught the 5 o'clock train?
00:32:32 I phoned for the reservation, brought him his walking stick and overcoat,
00:32:35 and-- and put his bag in the taxi.
00:32:37 Ah.
00:32:38 Did you remain in the house all evening?
00:32:40 Why, no, sir.
00:32:41 I went out about 6.30.
00:32:42 It was a servant's night off.
00:32:44 Everyone was out to dinner.
00:32:46 Mm.
00:32:47 Did you notice anything unusual in Mr. Cole's face?
00:32:49 No, sir.
00:32:50 Mm.
00:32:51 Did you notice anything unusual in Mr. Brisbane's manner when he left?
00:32:54 Oh, now that you mention it, he was distracted and-- and very irritable.
00:32:58 Mm.
00:32:59 You say you gave him his stick?
00:33:01 Yes, sir.
00:33:02 What kind of stick?
00:33:03 His favorite, an ivory-handled one.
00:33:06 He never went anywhere without it, sir.
00:33:07 Are you quite sure he took that particular stick with him?
00:33:10 Positive.
00:33:11 I handed it to him myself, sir.
00:33:13 Did you see him when he returned here last evening?
00:33:15 Returned?
00:33:16 Yes.
00:33:17 Oh, he had returned, sir.
00:33:19 Then whose ivory-handed stick is that hanging over that chair in the hall?
00:33:23 I don't know, sir.
00:33:24 I swear I don't know.
00:33:25 Sit down.
00:33:26 Sit down.
00:33:27 Steady, Gamble.
00:33:28 Steady.
00:33:29 Is this it?
00:33:30 Is it?
00:33:31 Yes, sir.
00:33:32 I can't understand it.
00:33:34 I suppose you saw nothing of his bag.
00:33:36 Why, no, sir.
00:33:37 Well, if he brought his cane back here, what did he do with his bag?
00:33:40 Ah, very good, Sergeant.
00:33:41 That's just the point.
00:33:43 He undoubtedly left it somewhere.
00:33:44 But where?
00:33:45 I should think the most logical place would be the checkroom at the Grand Central Station.
00:33:49 What kind of a bag was it?
00:33:51 Just an ordinary pigskin bag, sir, with his initials BC on it.
00:33:55 Is that it?
00:33:57 Yeah, that looks like it.
00:34:01 There's your police department receipt.
00:34:04 What time was this checked?
00:34:06 4.45.
00:34:07 Thanks, pal.
00:34:08 OK.
00:34:11 Well, here it is.
00:34:13 Put it here.
00:34:14 Did you get time on the contents?
00:34:15 No, I brought it right up here.
00:34:17 Well, look, Mick, did you find out what time this was checked?
00:34:20 Yeah.
00:34:21 There you are.
00:34:23 4.45.
00:34:25 He must have gone direct from the house to the station.
00:34:27 Did the attendant remember who left this?
00:34:29 No, he said there were so many of them that most of the time he didn't even notice the people.
00:34:34 Well, his shaving kit, shirt, underwear, socks, collars, slippers.
00:34:43 Nothing in there that a man wouldn't ordinarily take with him on a short trip.
00:34:47 Except this, perhaps.
00:34:49 "Unsolved Murders."
00:34:52 That's a swell book to take to Chicago.
00:34:54 That's rather odd, isn't it?
00:34:56 Yes, more than that.
00:34:57 Gentlemen, the mist is beginning to rise.
00:35:00 I think I know at least a part of what happened here last night.
00:35:04 How about this?
00:35:06 Let's say that Brisbane Co. started for Chicago on a night when he knew that no one but Archer would be at home.
00:35:12 He missed his train purposely, checked his bag at the station and returned here to kill his brother.
00:35:17 To make a perfect alibi, he planned to take a later train to Chicago.
00:35:21 But something stopped him.
00:35:23 And something stopped Archer Cole before he could remove his shoes last night.
00:35:27 You see what I mean?
00:35:28 Those shoes of Archer's, that bag of Brisbane's, his stick hanging there in the hall?
00:35:32 It shouldn't have been there.
00:35:35 Wait just a minute.
00:35:38 Oh, uh, Gamble.
00:35:41 Where did Mr. Brisbane usually put his hat and overcoat when he came in?
00:35:45 He always hung them in the closet, sir.
00:35:47 Which closet?
00:35:48 This one.
00:35:55 Oh!
00:36:01 Mr. Brisbane!
00:36:04 Well, Mr. Vance, where are we now?
00:36:09 I should say somewhere in the middle of the Gobi Desert.
00:36:15 [phone rings]
00:36:19 Hello.
00:36:20 What?
00:36:21 Again?
00:36:23 I'm right in the middle of my lunch.
00:36:25 First you interview my breakfast, then you ruin my lunch.
00:36:28 Don't you boys ever eat?
00:36:29 No.
00:36:30 I'm on a diet.
00:36:31 Oh, all right.
00:36:33 [phone rings]
00:36:37 Hello.
00:36:38 All right, I'll attend to that later.
00:36:40 Get me the wagon and the fingerprint gang.
00:36:48 Just a minute, fellas.
00:36:49 One second.
00:36:50 Just a moment, please.
00:36:52 Ready?
00:36:53 That's all.
00:36:54 All right, go ahead.
00:36:59 Here.
00:37:00 He's been dead for hours.
00:37:01 And me thinking all the time he was playing possum.
00:37:05 Well, there are too many people in the world anyway.
00:37:08 Mr. Vance, this is just ordinary junk.
00:37:11 I'm afraid so.
00:37:13 And I'd rather hope for something important.
00:37:15 Which one of the two victims died first, I think?
00:37:17 Archico, I think.
00:37:18 This one a little later.
00:37:20 And the weapon?
00:37:21 Same, sharp and narrow.
00:37:24 Second, tag and lift these.
00:37:26 I think I'd better fingerprint everything inside and outside here.
00:37:29 Right, fellas.
00:37:30 -Annecy. -Yes.
00:37:31 -Look for a sharp, narrow weapon. -Right.
00:37:36 Found something?
00:37:37 Well, it looks like fish and tackle.
00:37:39 It's tackle, all right, but not fishing.
00:37:42 Markham, we're dealing with a shrewd brain.
00:37:44 The technique for this crime was very cleverly worked out.
00:37:47 But something went wrong.
00:37:48 Sergeant, here's your order for the removal of the body.
00:37:52 Thanks, Doc.
00:37:53 So long, I want food.
00:37:56 Well, nobody's stopping you.
00:37:57 And if you've got any more corpses, bring them out now, will you?
00:37:59 I can't be running up and down here all day.
00:38:01 What do you mean, running up and down all day?
00:38:03 With that swell car the city gave you.
00:38:06 Nothing upset, Doctor.
00:38:08 [door opens]
00:38:10 [door closes]
00:38:12 [door opens]
00:38:13 [door closes]
00:38:17 [door opens]
00:38:21 [door closes]
00:38:23 [door opens]
00:38:26 [door closes]
00:38:30 [door opens]
00:38:33 [door closes]
00:38:35 [door opens]
00:38:38 [door closes]
00:38:39 [door opens]
00:38:55 [door closes]
00:38:57 [door opens]
00:39:06 [door closes]
00:39:07 Hiya, Captain.
00:39:16 Going in to take charge?
00:39:18 Well, if you hurry up and solve this case, maybe I can go home.
00:39:22 Come on.
00:39:23 [laughter]
00:39:25 I can handle everything if I don't get too much interference.
00:39:34 Oh, knock 'em.
00:39:35 Yes?
00:39:36 You're just in time for a demonstration.
00:39:38 I think I can show you how Brisbane Co. used this fishing tackle.
00:39:43 He started for Chicago and then he provided an alibi.
00:39:47 He had other plans in this room.
00:39:49 Watch this.
00:39:50 Notice the bent pin which is hooked on the bolt handle?
00:39:54 This is attached to the string I am now pulling through the keyhole.
00:39:58 If you follow the string, you will see that it passes around the pin in the wall.
00:40:02 This acts as a pulley and is also attached to a string passing through the keyhole.
00:40:07 You see, the bolt is now being forced into its socket.
00:40:10 On my word.
00:40:12 I now pull the first string through the keyhole and then the second string.
00:40:16 And with it comes the pin, leaving no evidence.
00:40:19 Now let me in.
00:40:20 It worked?
00:40:23 Yes, it worked.
00:40:24 Well, that explains that, then.
00:40:26 Very clever.
00:40:27 It could have been done that way.
00:40:29 But if Brisbane killed Archer Co., who killed Brisbane and hung him in the closet?
00:40:34 Why did he do it?
00:40:36 That's what we want to find out, isn't it?
00:40:38 Exactly.
00:40:39 Yeah.
00:40:40 Gentlemen.
00:40:41 Two persons planned the murder of Archer Co.
00:40:44 Two?
00:40:45 What?
00:40:46 But their paths crossed.
00:40:47 Brisbane was one of them.
00:40:48 The other?
00:40:49 I've got it.
00:40:50 The Chinese cook.
00:40:51 They're full of those tricks.
00:40:52 Now get this.
00:40:53 Dr. DeRama said that Co. was struck over the head with a blunt instrument.
00:40:58 This poker would answer that description, wouldn't it?
00:41:00 Yes.
00:41:01 And that certainly looks like dried blood.
00:41:03 It certainly does.
00:41:04 But what about those short, coarse hairs?
00:41:07 They don't look like Co's.
00:41:09 No.
00:41:10 Well, Mr. Vance, why didn't you find that when you looked in there this morning?
00:41:15 It wasn't in there this morning.
00:41:18 Besides, it doesn't belong in this room.
00:41:20 It belongs downstairs in the library.
00:41:23 [dog barking]
00:41:25 Is that you, Captain?
00:41:36 What's the matter with you?
00:41:38 What is it, Captain?
00:41:42 What is it, Captain?
00:41:50 Is it all right down here?
00:41:51 Oh, good boy, Captain.
00:42:04 This dog's been struck a nasty blow.
00:42:08 That explains the coarse hairs on the poker.
00:42:11 Whose dog is this?
00:42:13 I don't know.
00:42:14 I mean, I've often seen it in the vacant lots.
00:42:17 Just tell the truth, Gamble.
00:42:19 Yes.
00:42:20 Why don't you?
00:42:21 It belongs to the lady next door, sir.
00:42:24 Hmm.
00:42:27 Uh, Hennessey, get that fellow to her bed as fast as you can, will you?
00:42:30 Yes.
00:42:31 Easy, boy. Easy.
00:42:37 Easy, boy. Easy.
00:42:39 Now, Gamble, let's have the name of the lady next door.
00:42:44 Doris Dellafield.
00:42:45 Yes, I'm Miss Dellafield.
00:42:48 Won't you sit down, gentlemen?
00:42:49 Thank you.
00:42:50 I'm sorry I didn't win you a trophy at the dog show.
00:42:52 You're quite a fancier, aren't you?
00:42:53 Yes, somewhat.
00:42:54 I'm interested in one of your dogs.
00:42:56 The Doberman.
00:42:58 You mean Figaro.
00:42:59 I wonder if I can have a look at him.
00:43:00 I'm terribly sorry.
00:43:02 You know, he slipped his leash last night and ran away.
00:43:04 I've notified the police.
00:43:06 My maid's been scouring the neighborhood trying to find him.
00:43:09 Well.
00:43:10 Did she inquire at Mr. Coe's house next door?
00:43:13 Well, I don't know.
00:43:17 You and Mr. Coe have been good friends, haven't you?
00:43:19 I know him.
00:43:23 Why?
00:43:24 Your dog was found in his house this morning, badly wounded.
00:43:27 What?
00:43:30 Have you any idea how he got there?
00:43:32 No.
00:43:34 Do you suppose he would follow someone into the house?
00:43:36 Well, I hardly think...
00:43:38 Now, what are you driving at?
00:43:46 Mr. Archer Coe and his brother were murdered last night.
00:43:48 Murdered?
00:43:51 I was afraid that...
00:43:53 Just a moment.
00:43:56 Hello.
00:43:58 Is that Miss Doris Dellafield's apartment?
00:44:00 Would you please tell Miss Dellafield that we couldn't get the reservations for her and Mr. Graffi on A deck.
00:44:06 And ask her if B deck would be satisfactory.
00:44:09 Miss Dellafield will not be sailing.
00:44:11 You can cancel reservations for them both.
00:44:15 Both?
00:44:16 Do you mind telling me whom the other reservation was for?
00:44:19 I refuse to answer that question.
00:44:23 Would it be Mr. Graffi?
00:44:26 But I am Mr. Graffi.
00:44:28 And if I didn't cancel those reservations, who did?
00:44:30 What?
00:44:32 Miss Dellafield.
00:44:33 Oh, no, no, no, she didn't.
00:44:34 No, really, there's been a mistake.
00:44:36 As soon as I can find out about this, I'll call you back.
00:44:44 I don't think you'll find Miss Dellafield at home just now.
00:44:47 And as for the cancellation of your steamship reservations, we regret very much that it was necessary.
00:44:52 Who are you?
00:44:53 This is Mr. Markham, the district attorney.
00:44:57 I'm honored, but I'm afraid I don't quite understand.
00:45:00 It's about this.
00:45:02 As a matter of fact, Mr. Coe didn't commit suicide, he was murdered.
00:45:06 Murdered?
00:45:07 Would you mind coming along with us?
00:45:09 Just a little matter of comparing fingerprints.
00:45:11 No, not in the least.
00:45:14 No, not in the least.
00:45:15 Not in the least.
00:45:17 [rain]
00:45:19 [rain]
00:45:21 [rain]
00:45:23 [rain]
00:45:24 [rain]
00:45:53 I think that's all.
00:45:54 Found anything yet?
00:46:00 The one taken from the doorknob is too blurred for identification.
00:46:03 But this one is very clear.
00:46:05 It appears to be that of Liang, the Chinese cook.
00:46:12 [bell ringing]
00:46:39 Any luck?
00:46:41 No, not yet.
00:46:42 It must be here somewhere.
00:46:43 I'm positive that the dagger that killed Le Coe's belongs in that sheath.
00:46:48 But I don't know.
00:46:51 What?
00:47:10 That's strange.
00:47:11 What is?
00:47:12 The King of A's is missing.
00:47:14 It's the most valuable in the whole collection.
00:47:16 That's all that's left of it.
00:47:17 If I'm not mistaken, that's blood.
00:47:21 Blood.
00:47:22 Malcolm, I'm coming more and more to the belief that Archer Coe was killed in this room.
00:47:27 That poker, this dagger sheath, the fragments, all here.
00:47:31 But Vance, do you mean to tell me that the dead man walked upstairs?
00:47:34 I'm not trying to tell you anything but the facts.
00:47:38 It's the most remarkable case in my experience.
00:47:40 Find anything, Cap?
00:47:48 Yes, sir.
00:47:49 Plenty.
00:47:50 Oh, Mr. Reed.
00:47:58 Yes, Mr. Vance.
00:47:59 Would you step in for a moment, please?
00:48:01 Why, certainly.
00:48:02 Oh, no thanks.
00:48:07 Did you notice that the ting-yao was missing?
00:48:10 Missing?
00:48:12 Why, it was here yesterday evening.
00:48:18 At what time?
00:48:19 At about 6.30 or 7 o'clock.
00:48:22 I came back to talk to Mr. Coe.
00:48:24 About what?
00:48:25 Well, as a matter of fact, I...
00:48:28 I wanted to quit my job as his secretary.
00:48:30 Oh, you'd been having some difficulties with him?
00:48:33 It was rather a personal matter.
00:48:36 I wanted his permission to marry Miss Lake.
00:48:38 What did he say to that?
00:48:39 He ordered me out.
00:48:42 You went?
00:48:43 Yes.
00:48:44 Where?
00:48:45 I went to find Miss Lake.
00:48:46 I thought she was at the Kennel Club.
00:48:48 But I had a puncture, so it was rather late when I got there.
00:48:51 She'd already left with Sir Thomas McDonald.
00:48:54 Then I came home and went directly to bed.
00:48:56 Did you hear anything or see anything when you came into the house?
00:48:59 No.
00:49:00 But after I'd been in bed for a while, I heard some noises downstairs.
00:49:05 I opened the door and looked down.
00:49:07 But it was only Liang, the Chinese cook, coming in.
00:49:09 Was he customarily noisy in entering the house?
00:49:13 Oh, as a matter of fact, it's the first time I ever heard him come in.
00:49:18 Indeed.
00:49:19 Well, I think we're all agreed. Thank you.
00:49:22 Thank you.
00:49:23 If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
00:49:24 Right, right.
00:49:25 Good night.
00:49:26 I think I'd check up on that Kennel Club alibi.
00:49:32 I will.
00:49:33 You might have those fragments check for fingerprints, if you will.
00:49:36 Yes.
00:49:37 Meanwhile, I'll do a little exploring in the kitchen.
00:49:40 Yeah, Mr. Vance, I thought...
00:49:56 Mark him.
00:49:57 Yeah.
00:49:59 Mr. Liang, I believe you're the cook.
00:50:01 The cook.
00:50:03 You can drop the pitch in English.
00:50:06 That isn't necessary with me.
00:50:08 Where did you go to school?
00:50:09 Columbia University.
00:50:11 That's considerable education for a cook, isn't it?
00:50:13 Mr. Koh employed me because I know a great deal about Chinese porcelains.
00:50:17 Ah, I see.
00:50:18 That's a very lovely piece of ting-yau, isn't it?
00:50:21 How did he get broken?
00:50:23 He was a cook.
00:50:24 He was a cook?
00:50:25 Yes.
00:50:26 How did he get broken?
00:50:28 I don't know, sir.
00:50:29 I found the pieces in the wastebasket in the library.
00:50:32 You want me, Vance?
00:50:33 Oh, yes.
00:50:34 See that, Mark him?
00:50:36 More blood spots on the inside.
00:50:39 Apparently, the murderer dropped the dagger in here to hide it.
00:50:41 But he dropped it too hard and the vase broke.
00:50:44 When did you find these pieces?
00:50:47 This morning.
00:50:48 This morning?
00:50:49 You're sure it wasn't last night about...
00:50:51 ...clock, better say?
00:50:53 No, sir.
00:50:54 I did not get in until after midnight.
00:50:57 I'm sure Mr. Reed or Mr. Gamble will tell you that.
00:51:00 What time did you find the poker?
00:51:02 The poker?
00:51:03 Yes, the poker.
00:51:05 The one you hid in the Chinese chest in Mr. Archer's room this afternoon.
00:51:09 But I don't know what you mean.
00:51:11 Oh, yes, you do.
00:51:12 I was behind the door in that room when you hid it.
00:51:15 Let me handle this, Mr. Vance.
00:51:16 Are you going to talk?
00:51:18 Or do I have to beat you?
00:51:20 Wait.
00:51:21 I'll tell you the truth.
00:51:22 Well, spit it out.
00:51:24 When I returned to my room here about 8 o'clock last night...
00:51:28 Ah, I thought so.
00:51:29 I heard angry muffled voices in the library.
00:51:33 Then a dull sound as of someone falling.
00:51:36 I stood at my door here and listened.
00:51:39 Then I heard footsteps cross the kitchen and go out the back door.
00:51:43 And then?
00:51:44 I walked up the corridor and everything was very quiet.
00:51:48 I opened the library door and looked in.
00:51:51 The furniture was overturned.
00:51:53 The poker was there.
00:51:55 The desk was disarranged.
00:51:57 And the valuable ten-year vase was broken.
00:52:00 I thought there must be something wrong.
00:52:02 So I went upstairs and looked into Mr. Koh's bedroom.
00:52:06 He was dead.
00:52:07 Fearing that I might be suspected, I went back to the library...
00:52:11 and picked up the broken pieces of the vase.
00:52:14 And together with the poker, I took them to my room.
00:52:17 And knowing that you were alone in the house, you were afraid you might be suspected.
00:52:20 So you hid the weapons and left.
00:52:22 Yes, sir.
00:52:23 You returned to the house about midnight...
00:52:26 and purposely made a lot of noise so as to establish your alibi. Is that right?
00:52:30 Yes, sir.
00:52:31 All right, then. Where did you put the dagger?
00:52:33 I did not find the dagger.
00:52:35 Don't give me that!
00:52:36 What did you do with it after you stuck it in Arthur Koh's back?
00:52:39 I've got it, Mr. Markham.
00:52:40 Yes, Markham.
00:52:41 The fingerprint on this broken fragment belongs to the Italian, Eduardo Grassi.
00:52:48 Well, Mr. Vance, looks like somebody else miscalculated.
00:52:52 Yep, it fits.
00:52:58 That doesn't prove anything.
00:53:00 What about this?
00:53:02 Where did you get it?
00:53:08 It was in Arthur Koh's pocket.
00:53:10 What were you doing outside the drawing room window last night?
00:53:13 I...
00:53:14 I wanted to be sure that he was alone.
00:53:16 Why?
00:53:17 For weeks we had been negotiating for the sale of his collection to the museum at Milan.
00:53:21 It meant everything to me.
00:53:23 He kept raising the price, but on Monday we came to an understanding.
00:53:27 And I came to the museum that I had succeeded.
00:53:29 And last night he turned me down...
00:53:31 because he saw me with Miss Dellafield.
00:53:34 Let me explain.
00:53:37 Arthur was extremely jealous of me.
00:53:39 Well, you can't blame him for that.
00:53:41 You went there to threaten him, didn't you?
00:53:43 Just had every right to do.
00:53:45 I told him I would use any means to make him fulfill his contract.
00:53:48 He laughed at me.
00:53:49 Said that he would smash every piece in his collection before he'd let me have it.
00:53:52 So you picked up the poker and did a little smashing on your own account, eh?
00:53:56 I did not.
00:53:58 Let me have that fragment, will you?
00:53:59 Thank you.
00:54:00 You know how that was broken?
00:54:02 King-yellow bars?
00:54:04 With blood stains on the inside...
00:54:06 and your fingerprint on the outside.
00:54:08 I don't know.
00:54:09 Sergeant, I think you'd better book him.
00:54:11 Right.
00:54:12 Thank you.
00:54:14 Come on.
00:54:15 Let's get out of that monkey suit.
00:54:17 Let's get going. Come on.
00:54:19 Don't worry. I'm not running away.
00:54:21 You telling me?
00:54:23 I suspected the Italian all along.
00:54:30 Exactly.
00:54:32 But why should Grassi also stab Brisbane?
00:54:35 And what about the Doberman?
00:54:37 You see, Markham, we have nearly all the pieces of the puzzle...
00:54:39 but none of them seems to fit.
00:54:41 Here they are.
00:54:43 This isn't it. This is the basement.
00:54:45 I know. Come on.
00:54:47 I just want to see where this goes.
00:54:51 Good evening, sir.
00:54:52 Gamble.
00:54:53 By the way...
00:54:55 I've got a little something for you.
00:54:59 What is it?
00:55:00 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:03 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:05 What is it?
00:55:06 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:08 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:10 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:12 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:14 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:16 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:18 I've got a little something for you.
00:55:20 How long have you been using that name?
00:55:22 All my life, sir.
00:55:24 DuBois checked Gamble's fingerprints at the identification bureau...
00:55:28 and who do you think he turns out to be?
00:55:30 Not Gamble?
00:55:31 No.
00:55:32 Atlantic Eddie.
00:55:33 Used to work the boats on both sides of the ocean.
00:55:35 Honestly, Mr. Vance, I haven't turned a trick in five years.
00:55:38 That's all right, Eddie.
00:55:39 I just wanted to let you know that we're old pals.
00:55:42 Sir, someone slipped in the back door and went into one of the front rooms.
00:55:47 [footsteps]
00:55:49 Well, Miss Stetherfield.
00:55:57 Don't be surprised, gentlemen.
00:55:59 I'm used to coming in here like this.
00:56:01 You seem to know your way around here pretty well.
00:56:03 As a district attorney, you're responsible for this case, aren't you?
00:56:06 That's right.
00:56:07 Well, I'm tired of detectives.
00:56:09 I'm tired of being spied on.
00:56:11 All you want to know is who killed Archer Coe, isn't it?
00:56:13 Naturally.
00:56:15 Well, I did.
00:56:17 What?
00:56:18 Yes.
00:56:19 And there isn't a jury on earth will convict me when they hear my story.
00:56:22 You don't believe me, do you?
00:56:25 You were wondering this afternoon how my dog, Viggo Roe, could get into this house.
00:56:29 Well, he was following me.
00:56:31 He was defending me when he was struck.
00:56:34 Well, where did you kill Mr. Coe?
00:56:36 In his bedroom.
00:56:38 What kind of lipstick do you use?
00:56:40 Lipstick?
00:56:41 What's that got to do with it?
00:56:43 Is that yours?
00:56:47 Yes, that's mine.
00:56:49 While I was struggling with Archer, my bag dropped on the floor and everything spilled out.
00:56:55 Won't do, Miss Dellafield. It's an old trick.
00:56:58 It's not a trick.
00:56:59 I didn't realize that you were so fond of Mr. Grosse.
00:57:02 Mr. Grosse has nothing to do with it.
00:57:04 Take me down to the station.
00:57:05 I'll say nothing more until I get an attorney.
00:57:07 Help! Help! Help! Help!
00:57:11 [Door opens, closes, and locks]
00:57:38 [Indistinct chatter]
00:57:47 This guy's been stabbed, Hennessey!
00:57:54 Is this it, Mr. Vance?
00:57:56 Yes, that's it.
00:57:57 Thank you very much.
00:58:01 First you spoil my breakfast.
00:58:02 Then you break up my lunch.
00:58:04 Now you pull me out of bed in the middle of the night.
00:58:07 This fellow not even dead.
00:58:09 Why don't you put that in your report, Doc?
00:58:12 There was fingerprints that never pick up on that silk handle.
00:58:15 But it fits perfectly.
00:58:17 Where do you find it, Sergeant?
00:58:19 Under the bed.
00:58:20 Congratulations.
00:58:22 That's all right, Mr. Vance.
00:58:24 Three crimes with the same weapon, Markham.
00:58:29 Tom!
00:58:30 What is it?
00:58:32 What's happened?
00:58:34 I don't know, dear.
00:58:35 Somebody stabbed me.
00:58:37 Is it serious, Doctor?
00:58:38 Oh, no.
00:58:39 I gave him three grains of sodium amatil to quiet his nerves.
00:58:41 He'll be all right.
00:58:42 I'd like to rent a room here till they finish this case.
00:58:49 Poor darling.
00:58:50 I wish I hadn't got you mixed up in all this.
00:58:53 You shouldn't have come here.
00:58:54 Let me see this through alone.
00:58:56 I won't leave you.
00:58:58 Can't we get away from here?
00:59:00 We leave tomorrow.
00:59:01 Together.
00:59:02 Well, what do you think about it, Doc?
00:59:04 Well, the thrust punctured the median basalic vein and caused a hemorrhage.
00:59:08 Could the wound have been self-inflicted, Doctor?
00:59:11 I'm the city butcher, not the detective.
00:59:15 Don't bother me with any murders after three tomorrow.
00:59:17 I'm going to the world's ceiling.
00:59:19 Hey, Doc.
00:59:20 Tone me the score between the names, will you?
00:59:23 Get these people out of this.
00:59:25 What are they waiting for?
00:59:26 We just want to ask you a few questions, Sir Thomas.
00:59:29 You say that when you were stabbed, you saw nothing, huh?
00:59:32 That's right.
00:59:33 It was dark.
00:59:35 I heard a noise and jumped out of bed.
00:59:37 Somebody threw a chair and just missed my head and struck the window.
00:59:41 I shouted for help and ran towards the door.
00:59:44 Then I felt a sharp pain in my arm as I lost consciousness.
00:59:48 Knife by a ghost.
00:59:50 That's a hot one.
00:59:51 I think he done it himself.
00:59:53 How dare you, Sir?
00:59:54 That's not fair.
00:59:55 Do you know anything about that?
00:59:58 Where'd you find it?
00:59:59 Under your bed.
01:00:02 I never saw it before.
01:00:04 Yeah.
01:00:05 Like I never saw a pair of handcuffs.
01:00:08 You have no right to question him now in this condition.
01:00:11 Rather funny.
01:00:20 You see what I see in Archer Cove's room?
01:00:26 I have a suspicion that whoever killed McCombs came from this house.
01:00:31 Probably from this room.
01:00:37 Gentlemen, I think I can fit the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle together.
01:00:44 Now here is East 71st Street.
01:00:46 This is the Coe house, the yard, and the apartment house next door.
01:00:51 Now let's have a look inside.
01:00:54 This is a McDonald's apartment.
01:00:57 Directly opposite is the window of Archer Cove's bedroom.
01:01:01 Underneath McDonald's apartment, the cozy little nest of Miss Dellafield and her temporary guest, Mr. Grassi.
01:01:09 This is the elevator.
01:01:11 And here are the stairs that lead directly to the back entrance.
01:01:14 From there, it's easy to reach the back entrance of the Coe house across the yard.
01:01:18 Now, that's the front hall, and here's the library.
01:01:25 On Wednesday evening between 7.30 and 8 o'clock, Archer Cove was sitting alone in that room.
01:01:32 Now remember, it was the servant's night off.
01:01:36 The killer must have known this when he came in the back door.
01:01:40 He was so intent upon what he was planning to do that he must have left the back door open.
01:01:46 Because from somewhere in that vacant lot came a dog, a Doberman Pinscher, belonging to Doris Dellafield.
01:01:55 He saw the back door standing open and went in.
01:02:00 Meanwhile, the killer was moving along the hall toward the library, making absolutely sure that Archer Cove was alone.
01:02:09 He knew exactly where he was going and exactly what he was going to do.
01:02:14 He came so silently that it must have startled Archer Cove when he looked up and saw him carefully closing the door.
01:02:21 It is my conjecture, gentlemen, that a terrible argument took place.
01:02:26 Archer Cove must have struck him, and as he fell back, he picked up the poker as the first weapon that came into his hand.
01:02:34 He struck Archer Cove on the head.
01:02:36 Cove collapsed across the desk, his hands groping in the drawer of the desk for his gun.
01:02:42 Then, in a blind rage of the moment, the killer saw a Chinese dagger.
01:02:47 He seized it and stabbed Archer Cove in the back.
01:02:52 Cove probably fell to the floor.
01:02:56 Meantime, our Doberman Pinscher was coming closer and closer, probably attracted by the sound of the struggle in the library.
01:03:03 As the killer opened the door to escape, he saw the Doberman Pinscher in the hall coming toward him.
01:03:09 He again picked up the poker as the dog entered the room.
01:03:12 Through the instinct of his brain, the dog sensed an enemy.
01:03:17 He leaped, the killer struck, and the dog fell, badly wounded.
01:03:22 Now he tried to hide the dagger in the tin yard vase.
01:03:25 He plopped it too hard, and the porcelain broke into bits.
01:03:29 He picked up the dagger again and went out the same way he came in.
01:03:37 Meanwhile, Cove slowly regained consciousness and pulled himself to his feet.
01:03:43 You remember, gentlemen, that Dr. Doreen has said Cove died of an internal hemorrhage.
01:03:48 That is the key to the whole situation.
01:03:51 Archer Cove, already a dying man, walked upstairs.
01:03:55 And what is even more terrible, he did not know that he had been stabbed.
01:04:00 He went to his room and, feeling a little faint, probably,
01:04:03 he removed his coat and vest and hung them in the closet where we found them.
01:04:09 He put on his pajama top and went to the window and raised the shade.
01:04:16 Can you imagine the killer's emotions when, from some place in the apartment house,
01:04:21 across the vacant lot, he looked over and saw the man he thought he had killed
01:04:26 standing there at the window?
01:04:29 He knew then that he had to go back and complete his job to save himself.
01:04:35 Feeling very faint by now, Archer Cove went from the window to the chair beside his desk
01:04:41 where he sat down.
01:04:43 There, he started to remove his shoes.
01:04:47 You remember just how we found him.
01:04:49 In the very act of removing them, before he could get one of them entirely off, he died.
01:04:57 I don't think he ever knew what killed him.
01:05:01 Now we come to the most awful part of the tragedy.
01:05:06 Brisbane Cove came back to the house with a cleverly worked out plan for killing his brother.
01:05:11 He also knew that it was the servant's night out and that he would not be disturbed.
01:05:17 He went down the hall to the library and, from the drawer of the desk,
01:05:21 he took Archer Cove's own revolver and put it into his pocket.
01:05:26 After turning out the light on the desk, he went out of the room.
01:05:30 He hung his stick over the chair in the hall and tiptoed up the stairs and into Archer Cove's room.
01:05:38 He saw his brother sitting in his easy chair, apparently asleep.
01:05:43 I can see him tiptoe across the room.
01:05:47 And from somewhere just across the desk, he took out the revolver
01:05:51 and with careful aim, he pulled the trigger.
01:05:56 Meantime, the killer, believing that he had only wounded Archer Cove,
01:06:02 came back by the same route to finish his job.
01:06:06 Then Brisbane closed the window, lowered the shade,
01:06:10 and returning to the body, he carefully placed the gun in Archer's hand,
01:06:16 as though it had been suicide.
01:06:19 Then he went to the door and with the two pieces of string,
01:06:24 the pins and the darning needle, he was able to bolt the door on the inside,
01:06:31 just as I showed you.
01:06:34 A very clever device, gentlemen, which he had discovered in the book of unsolved murders,
01:06:40 which we found in his suitcase.
01:06:43 Then, gentlemen, Brisbane went on down the stairs, little knowing what awaited him there.
01:06:49 The killer mistook Brisbane for Archer Cove and drove the dagger into Brisbane's back.
01:06:57 Then to hide the body, he dragged it into the closet.
01:07:03 I doubt if he even discovered his mistake until the next day.
01:07:06 That's great. But who did all that?
01:07:09 Well, you can search me. I'm going through it.
01:07:13 You can include me in that, Sergeant.
01:07:15 Haven't you got any ideas at all, Vance?
01:07:18 Markham, it's a maze of conflicting clues.
01:07:20 Any one of seven people might have done it.
01:07:22 We couldn't convict seven people, Mr. Vance.
01:07:25 You couldn't convict one with the evidence you've got.
01:07:28 Gentlemen, I'm afraid we're completely stopped.
01:07:35 Lick. I hate to admit it, but it looks that way.
01:07:39 Vance, in all the years we've worked together, I've never heard you say that before.
01:07:43 I know. I'm sorry, Markham.
01:07:46 Well, what are we going to do about it?
01:07:47 I don't know.
01:07:48 Are you sure you checked up on all the alibis?
01:07:51 Every one of them.
01:07:52 And you've gone over the fingerprint situation with your boy?
01:07:54 Yes, sir.
01:07:55 Well, we've slipped up somewhere, Sergeant.
01:07:57 But there must be something that we can get our teeth into.
01:08:03 Markham, I suggest that you dismiss this case.
01:08:07 What? Dismiss it?
01:08:08 Yes. Turn all the suspects loose.
01:08:10 I can just see all the newspapers in this town screaming for a new district attorney.
01:08:15 Well, we can probably cover you up all right, Mr. Markham.
01:08:18 I've said it was suicide all along.
01:08:19 Yes, I know. We could put that solution on it, but I hate to do it.
01:08:23 All right, Sergeant. Go ahead. Turn them loose.
01:08:26 Turn them loose?
01:08:27 Yes.
01:08:28 Well, Mr. Vance, this is once we're both stuck.
01:08:35 When you give up, Vance, I'm sunk.
01:08:38 Oh, I haven't given up.
01:08:40 I have another idea.
01:08:41 Huh?
01:08:42 That works.
01:08:43 I'll have your killer for you in half an hour.
01:08:46 I'm going to arrange a little meeting with him now.
01:08:47 What? But you let me dismiss all the suspects.
01:08:50 That's just what I wanted you to do.
01:09:01 Hello?
01:09:02 Uh, this is Mr. Vance.
01:09:05 I hope I haven't disturbed you.
01:09:08 I wonder if you'd do me a little favor.
01:09:11 Mr. Markham?
01:09:12 Yes?
01:09:13 Can I see you a minute?
01:09:15 That suicide story might work all right for Archer, Coe, but I forgot all about Brisbane.
01:09:21 Well, never mind about that now. Just release the suspects, as I told you.
01:09:25 All right.
01:09:29 Yes?
01:09:30 That's right. At 4.30.
01:09:33 Just get him into an argument.
01:09:36 Oh, I'll have him with me. I'm depending on his instinct.
01:09:40 That's right. Thanks.
01:09:43 If we can catch him off his guard, I think he'll give himself away.
01:09:47 Come on, Markham, we've got to get there before 4.25.
01:09:51 Mr. Vance, they're in the library now.
01:09:56 Oh, darling, let me help you.
01:09:57 All right, Kathy.
01:10:10 Well, it's the first time we've used bloodhounds in police work since I wore a high-button shoe.
01:10:22 And red flannel underwear?
01:10:24 Oh, I always wear red flannel underwear.
01:10:26 So do I.
01:10:27 I want your bridal suite on the...
01:10:30 On the Coronia.
01:10:32 Sailing at midnight.
01:10:33 That's right. Thank you.
01:10:35 Sailing at midnight.
01:10:37 Lady MacDonald, is it the title that dazzles you so much?
01:10:41 Or is it the fortune she'll inherit that makes her so attractive, Sir Thomas?
01:10:44 Raymond, are you crazy?
01:10:46 It isn't the first time a fortune has bought a title.
01:10:48 If so happens, I'm not in need of a fortune. Possibly you are.
01:10:51 Raymond, you have no right to interfere this way.
01:10:52 No right? Well, I'll take that right.
01:10:54 You think you're both sailing at midnight?
01:10:56 Well, it won't work.
01:10:57 You're going all right, Sir Thomas, but you're going alone.
01:10:59 Really?
01:11:00 Yes, and you're going now, all right?
01:11:01 Raymond!
01:11:15 Raymond!
01:11:20 Ah, the poker again, huh?
01:11:27 Take him off! Take him off!
01:11:37 Hey, wait up! Wait up!
01:11:45 Here, hold him.
01:11:47 Why did you kill Hachiko? Why did you kill him?
01:11:49 I didn't mean to kill him.
01:11:50 But you did, eh?
01:11:51 I told you I didn't mean to kill him.
01:11:52 He struck me when I told him I wanted to marry Hilda.
01:11:55 I lost my head when I hit him with a poker.
01:11:58 I don't remember anything after that.
01:12:00 What about Brisbane?
01:12:01 It was a terrible mistake.
01:12:03 And McDonald?
01:12:04 I still would kill him if I could.
01:12:08 There's your man, Sergeant.
01:12:10 You made a fatal mistake, Reed, when you reached for that poker.
01:12:13 Somebody swiped my bracelets.
01:12:15 You dropped them in the pantry.
01:12:17 Oh. All right, Hennessey.
01:12:19 Leave down Booking.
01:12:21 I want to thank you very much for your cooperation.
01:12:23 Not at all.
01:12:24 It was Sir Thomas I telephoned from your office, Markham.
01:12:26 He very cleverly helped to stage this little scene.
01:12:30 We have to thank the dog for the rest.
01:12:33 Well, we did it again, Mr. Vance.
01:12:36 Congratulations, Sergeant.
01:12:37 Thank you.
01:12:38 I'll certainly mention you in my story to the papers.
01:12:41 Thank you.
01:12:42 Oh, that's all right, Mr. Vance.
01:12:44 [laughing]
01:12:51 [music]
01:13:01 [BLANK_AUDIO]